Mathieson Alex

Alex Mathieson.

What remained of the old & most illustrious factory of Alexander Mathieson & Son Saracen Tool Works has now vanished within the last two months, Mathiesons closed in the late 1950/s, after trading for well over 100 years, the output from the old Saracen works was staggering, Besides being world renowned for the manufacture of a very fine range of woodwork tools, Mathiesons also produced a line in machine tools, ( light pattern), and a very nifty line in morticing machines, small circular, & bandsaws also.

Saracen works took its name from Glasgows oldest Inn, which is still situated on the Gallowgate right in front of where the works were,
rather ironic, that the hostelry, where the thirsty toolsmiths slaked their thirst has survived and this great world renowned tool makers , who had a very large market in the British Empire and elsewhere has gone, The tools manufactured by Mathieson, had a star and crescent trade mark, with the lettering Alex. Mathieson Glasgow, Excepting for a cheaper range of goods which the firm made for a more " utility market" which were stamped " Tertius Keen & Co"

Pictures below supplied by Oldiron, member of our forum.

Nicely restored by the previous owner , this old lathe was a rusted wreck with rotten timber work when he found it , hope i havent inc' too many photo's but others may appreciate seeing it ?? , I have located a little info on these lathes and it appears it was available as a metalworking lathe too , although in either version they seem to be fairly rare , Im very keen to know if anyone else has one , the nice three leg'd table standard sitting in the chuck was produced in the lathe, ......
More information sought by the owner.